Afghan Women Voice Alarm Over Restrictions to Parks and Public Spaces

Afghan women are expressing concern over restrictions on their access to parks and recreational areas, viewing these limitations as detrimental to their mental health and social relationships.

Afghan Women Express Deep Concern Over Recreational Restrictions

Many women in Afghanistan are voicing complaints about a ban on entering parks and public spaces, stating that these restrictions have robbed them of their opportunities for recreation and daily outings. According to them, this situation has negatively impacted their social interactions and mental well-being.

79 Percent of Afghan Women Denied Access to Parks

A girl in Kabul, who requested anonymity for security reasons, shared her feelings: “If there were no restrictions, I would love to visit Paghman with my family and enjoy my youth.” She added that the Taliban did not allow them to enter Paghman, permitting only motorcycles with male passengers.

Another woman from Balkh reported a similar issue, saying: “We went to the shrine in Sharif and were not allowed inside. They told us that our male relatives could enter, but we had to watch from behind the bars.”

Taliban’s Ministry of Promotion of Virtue Unresponsive to Women’s Complaints

In Herat, a woman facing health issues with her mother emphasized that the lack of suitable walking spaces has made following medical advice very difficult. Psychologist Lida Mirzaei also commented, saying: “Women’s lack of access to outdoor spaces can lead to mental fatigue and reduced life satisfaction.”

New Restrictions Threaten Women’s Mental Health

Mirzaei suggested creating dedicated spaces for women to help alleviate psychological pressure. The Taliban’s Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has yet to respond to these complaints.

The Role of Parks in Enhancing Afghan Women’s Mental Health

Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, numerous restrictions on women’s public life have been imposed. Reports indicate that 79 percent of women have been deprived of access to parks and public places over the past twelve months. The United Nations has also called for the lifting of these restrictions, emphasizing their negative impact on women’s education and social activities.